Molesey Vets’ Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Goldfish!
August 14, 2024
Goldfish are a popular choice for first-time pet owners, especially kids! They’re beautiful, relatively easy to care for, and endlessly entertaining to watch as they dart around their tank or bowl. But before you bring those shimmering fins home from your local fayre or festival, check out Molesey Vets’ guide below to ensure your goldfish lives a long and happy life.
A Beginner’s Guide to Goldfish Care
Goldfish: not your average tropical fish
Fish enthusiast and Vet Darren Partridge, shares that unlike their brightly coloured tropical cousins, goldfish are actually cold-water fish. This means they don’t need fancy heaters in their tank. The ideal water temperature for goldfish is around 16-24°C (68-74°F).
Goldfish on the grow!
According to Darren, something many goldfish owners don’t realise is that these little swimmers might seem small at first, but goldfish can grow quite large! They need plenty of space to grow into and explore. A good rule of thumb is at least 20 gallons (around 91 litres) for a single goldfish, and even more space if you’re planning on having a few fin-friends swimming together.
Keeping the peace in the tank
While some peaceful community fish can co-exist with goldfish, Darren recommends keeping goldfish in a tank by themselves or with other goldfish varieties. Goldfish are quite strong swimmers and can be a bit boisterous. Their larger size and fondness for scavenging can also be disruptive to smaller, more delicate fish.
Setting up the perfect Goldy-pad
- Filtration is Key: Goldfish are messy eaters! A powerful filtration system is key to keeping their tank clean and the water healthy.
- Plant Pals (with Caution): Goldfish love to nibble on plants. Darren advises that you choose hardier plant varieties or opt for artificial plants to avoid a constant battle of landscaping.
- Smooth Sailing with Substrate: Skip the small gravel! It can be a choking hazard for goldfish. Larger gravel or smooth sand are better options for the bottom of their tank.
Keeping your Goldie Gang happy & healthy
- Feeding Frenzy: These little piggies love to eat, but overfeeding can be a problem. Darren recommends sticking to a high-quality goldfish food and only feeding them 1-2 times a day, offering only an amount they can consume in a few minutes.
- Weekly Water Changes: Just like any pet, goldfish need a clean home. Regular water changes are crucial for goldfish. Aim for weekly partial water changes (around 25-30%) to remove waste and keep the water quality sparkling.
- Keeping an Eye on Their Health: Goldfish are generally hardy, but like all pets, they can sometimes get sick. Keep an eye out for common problems like white spot disease (Ich) or fin rot. If you notice anything concerning, consult Molesey Vets for advice.
Top Tip: Darren highly recommends involving the kids in caring for the goldfish! Assign them age-appropriate tasks like feeding or helping with water changes (under adult supervision, of course). This fosters a sense of responsibility and makes caring for their new pets even more fun!
By following these simple tips, you and your kids can create a thriving underwater world for your pet goldfish. Remember, happy goldfish make happy pet owners (and happy kids)!
If you would like any further advice on caring for goldfish, book an appointment with our fish enthusiast and Vet Darren Partridge.
